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A powerful weather system has swept across Australia, bringing severe storms, strong winds and heavy rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
The unseasonable rainfall that hit western and central Australia earlier this week is expected to move into southeastern Australia from Wednesday.
Meteorologist Johnathan How said a cold front approaching Victoria and Tasmania would “merge” with tropical moisture, bringing heavy rainfall to the south-east of the country.
“Thursday looks to be the wettest day on the forecast, especially in eastern parts of New South Wales,” How said.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across much of the state, from the Illawarra region to the Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter areas, with up to 40mm of rain forecast for Sydney.
Gale-force winds are forecast along the Sydney coastline, including Port Botany and Sydney Airport, which could impact port and aviation operations on Thursday.
The incoming southerly wind will bring a sharp drop in temperatures, breaking Sydney’s streak of eight consecutive days with highs of 24°C or more. On Thursday, the maximum temperature is expected to reach just 19°C.
The combination of cold temperatures and strong southerly winds will make the wind chill a 6°C (43°F) around 8am Thursday morning.
Rainfall in Sydney is expected to ease early on Friday morning. Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to cool before rising over the weekend.
Canberra is also expected to have its wettest day on Thursday, with up to 25mm of rain, while the heaviest rain in Brisbane is forecast for Friday, with up to 20mm.
On Friday, rain will move into northeastern New South Wales and eastern Queensland.
Sydney
Thursday: Rain. Windy. Up to 40 mm of rain. Winds up to 40 km/h. Large and powerful waves are expected in the evening. Min. 13 °C Max. 18 °C.
Friday: Rain. Up to 25 mm of precipitation. Winds up to 30 km/h. Minimum 13 °C Maximum 19 °C.
Melbourne
Thursday: Cloudy. Possibility of morning showers. Winds up to 35 km/h. Minimum 9 °C Maximum 14 °C.
Friday: Sunny. Some morning frost. Light winds. Min. 6 °C. Max. 17 °C.
Brisbane
Thursday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers at night. Winds up to 25 km/h. Minimum 16 °C Maximum 29 °C.
Friday: Rain. Up to 20 mm of rain. Winds up to 20 km/h. Minimum 17 °C Maximum 22 °C.
Canberra
Thursday: Rain. Up to 25 mm of precipitation. Winds up to 25 km/h. Minimum 3 °C Maximum 12 °C.
Friday: Partly cloudy. Chance of light rain. Winds up to 30 km/h. Minimum 2 °C Maximum 15 °C.
Hobart
Thursday: Cloudy. Chance of light rain. Possible small hail in the morning. Winds up to 30 km/h. Minimum 4 °C Maximum 13 °C.
Friday: Partly cloudy. Winds up to 20 km/h. Minimum 4 °C Maximum 17 °C.
Perth
Thursday: Sunny. Chance of light rain. Chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Winds up to 40 km/h. Min. 15 °C Max. 30 °C.
Friday: Rain. Up to 15 mm of rain. Winds up to 35 km/h. Minimum 13 °C Maximum 19 °C.
Australia’s south-east coast is bracing for torrential rain as two weather systems bring heavy rain and gusty winds.
Adelaide
Thursday: Sunny. Chance of light showers early in the morning. Winds up to 30 km/h. Minimum 7 °C Maximum 18 °C.
Friday: Sunny. Winds up to 20 km/h. Maximum 21 °C.
Darwin
Thursday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Chance of thunderstorms inland. Winds up to 20 km/h. Min. 25 °C Max. 33 °C.
Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Chance of thunderstorms. Winds up to 20 km/h. Low 25 °C High 33 °C.